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From onsen to jjimjilbang: why Asian bathing rituals deserve a spot on your travel bucket list

From onsen to jjimjilbang: why Asian bathing rituals deserve a spot on your travel bucket list

Tatler Asia5 days ago
2. Korea's jjimjilbang experience
The Korean jjimjilbang is less a bathhouse than a wellness complex. You can also consider it a social institution. You'll find hot tubs, cold plunge pools and sauna rooms lined with jade or charcoal, as well as lounge areas where families nap, snack and rehydrate. Bathing here is equal parts cleansing and bonding, done in the buff and unhurried. Between scrubs and steams, it's not uncommon to catch up on TV dramas or sip sweet sikhye in your robe. In a culture known for hustle, the jjimjilbang is the great equaliser of rest. 3. Thailand's herbal steams and postnatal rituals
In Thailand, bathing culture is tied closely to healing. Herbal steam baths, traditionally made with lemongrass, kaffir lime, turmeric and camphor, are part of postnatal recovery for Thai women and still practiced in rural villages. Unlike the stillness of an onsen, these baths are more sensory and humid, often followed by a compress massage or light body scrub. The Thai philosophy of wellness is circular: cleanse, warm, heal, rest. And whether in a spa or a village hut, the ritual remains the same.
See more: 13 of the most beautiful spas around the world for a relaxing wellness holiday 4. Taiwan's alkaline waters and mountain soaks
Taiwan's mountainous spine is home to a lesser-known but thriving hot spring culture. These springs, often set in lush forested regions, offer water profiles ranging from iron-rich red springs to rare alkaline carbonate waters believed to smooth skin and relieve fatigue. Bathing here often comes with panoramic views—soaking becomes both a physical and visual reset. Unlike in Japan, Taiwanese bathhouses often welcome mixed-gender or swimwear-friendly formats, making them more approachable for newcomers. 5. Vietnam's hilltop baths and medicinal steepings
In Vietnam's northern highlands, ethnic minority groups have long practised herbal bathing as a form of seasonal cleansing and health preservation. These steeped baths are often dark with tree bark, roots and forest herbs, which are used to relieve cold, fatigue and even spiritual malaise. Increasingly, these traditions are being revived not just as cultural heritage, but as boutique wellness draws. The smell alone—woody, sharp, earthy—lingers in memory long after the water's gone. 6. China's communal baths and medicinal soaking
China's public bathhouses have deep roots in both social life and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Here, hot water is more than just about comfort, but a tool for balance. Baths might be infused with mugwort, chrysanthemum or goji berries, targeting everything from circulation to energy flow. Communal bathing still thrives in many cities and small towns, though modern versions now incorporate saunas, massage rooms and herbal tea lounges. The vibe is less retreat, more rhythm of life.
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From onsen to jjimjilbang: why Asian bathing rituals deserve a spot on your travel bucket list
From onsen to jjimjilbang: why Asian bathing rituals deserve a spot on your travel bucket list

Tatler Asia

time5 days ago

  • Tatler Asia

From onsen to jjimjilbang: why Asian bathing rituals deserve a spot on your travel bucket list

2. Korea's jjimjilbang experience The Korean jjimjilbang is less a bathhouse than a wellness complex. You can also consider it a social institution. You'll find hot tubs, cold plunge pools and sauna rooms lined with jade or charcoal, as well as lounge areas where families nap, snack and rehydrate. Bathing here is equal parts cleansing and bonding, done in the buff and unhurried. Between scrubs and steams, it's not uncommon to catch up on TV dramas or sip sweet sikhye in your robe. In a culture known for hustle, the jjimjilbang is the great equaliser of rest. 3. Thailand's herbal steams and postnatal rituals In Thailand, bathing culture is tied closely to healing. Herbal steam baths, traditionally made with lemongrass, kaffir lime, turmeric and camphor, are part of postnatal recovery for Thai women and still practiced in rural villages. Unlike the stillness of an onsen, these baths are more sensory and humid, often followed by a compress massage or light body scrub. The Thai philosophy of wellness is circular: cleanse, warm, heal, rest. And whether in a spa or a village hut, the ritual remains the same. See more: 13 of the most beautiful spas around the world for a relaxing wellness holiday 4. Taiwan's alkaline waters and mountain soaks Taiwan's mountainous spine is home to a lesser-known but thriving hot spring culture. These springs, often set in lush forested regions, offer water profiles ranging from iron-rich red springs to rare alkaline carbonate waters believed to smooth skin and relieve fatigue. Bathing here often comes with panoramic views—soaking becomes both a physical and visual reset. Unlike in Japan, Taiwanese bathhouses often welcome mixed-gender or swimwear-friendly formats, making them more approachable for newcomers. 5. Vietnam's hilltop baths and medicinal steepings In Vietnam's northern highlands, ethnic minority groups have long practised herbal bathing as a form of seasonal cleansing and health preservation. These steeped baths are often dark with tree bark, roots and forest herbs, which are used to relieve cold, fatigue and even spiritual malaise. Increasingly, these traditions are being revived not just as cultural heritage, but as boutique wellness draws. The smell alone—woody, sharp, earthy—lingers in memory long after the water's gone. 6. China's communal baths and medicinal soaking China's public bathhouses have deep roots in both social life and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Here, hot water is more than just about comfort, but a tool for balance. Baths might be infused with mugwort, chrysanthemum or goji berries, targeting everything from circulation to energy flow. Communal bathing still thrives in many cities and small towns, though modern versions now incorporate saunas, massage rooms and herbal tea lounges. The vibe is less retreat, more rhythm of life.

Morning rituals: 10 traditional breakfasts across Southeast Asia
Morning rituals: 10 traditional breakfasts across Southeast Asia

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  • Tatler Asia

Morning rituals: 10 traditional breakfasts across Southeast Asia

2. Kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs (Singapore) Singaporean breakfast culture straddles colonial legacy and local ingenuity. Kaya toast, or grilled bread slathered with coconut jam and a generous slab of butter, comes with wobbly soft-boiled eggs, soy sauce and white pepper. Pair it with strong, sweet kopi (local coffee with condensed milk) for a breakfast that's equal parts nostalgic and satisfying. Other Singaporean breakfasts: Chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes with preserved radish) Fried bee hoon (stir-fried vermicelli) Economic rice (a buffet of pre-cooked dishes with rice, even in the morning) 3. Mohinga (Myanmar) Considered Myanmar's unofficial national dish, mohinga is a comforting fish broth thickened with rice flour and loaded with rice noodles, banana stem, boiled eggs and crunchy fritters. Traditionally eaten for breakfast, it's served steaming hot from roadside vendors in big metal pots. It's soulful, filling and packed with umami. Other Myanmar breakfasts: Nan Gyi Thoke (thick rice noodle salad with chicken curry) Pe Byouk (boiled peas with naan-style bread) Htamin Jaw (fried rice with garlic oil, peas, and crispy shallots) 4. Putu mayam or string hoppers (Malaysia / Sri Lanka influence) A product of Tamil migration to Malaysia and Singapore, putu mayam (or idiyappam) consists of lacy steamed rice flour noodles, served cold with grated coconut and palm sugar. It is light, subtly sweet and a staple in many South Indian-influenced communities across Southeast Asia. 5. Lontong sayur (Indonesia / Malaysia) Compressed rice cakes (lontong) swim in a light coconut curry with vegetables like young jackfruit, tofu and tempeh. Often topped with hard-boiled eggs and spicy sambal, lontong sayur is a hearty, complex breakfast that can double as brunch. You'll find it in wet markets and roadside warungs, especially in Java and Sumatra. 6. Khao tom (Thailand / Laos) Thailand's answer to breakfast soup, khao tom (not to be confused with a similarly named dessert) is a fragrant rice porridge laced with garlic, ginger and sometimes minced pork, shrimp or fish. Served with chilli, vinegar and soy sauce on the side, it's gentle but tasty—ideal for sleepy mornings or recovering stomachs. Other Thai breakfasts: Jok (Thai rice porridge thicker than khao tom, with pork and century egg) Patongo (Thai-style Chinese crullers often dipped in condensed milk) Moo ping with khao niew (grilled pork skewers with sticky rice) 7. Pho (Vietnam) Above Pho (Photo: Jang's / Pexels) In northern Vietnam, pho isn't lunch—it's breakfast. Hanoi mornings start with steaming bowls of delicate beef or chicken broth, slippery rice noodles, thinly sliced meat and a small bouquet of fresh herbs. Street-side pho stalls open at dawn and often close by mid-morning. The ritual? Slurp, sip and start the day right. Pho has gained so much popularity that it's become a late-night favourite, too. Other Vietnamese breakfasts: Banh mi op la (Vietnamese baguette with sunny-side-up eggs) Xoi (sticky rice with toppings like mung beans or shredded chicken) Hu tieu (clear pork broth with rice noodles and seafood) See more: Late-night snacking: 9 midnight treats across Asia 8. Bubur ayam (Indonesia) Jakarta's breakfast classic is a comforting bowl of chicken rice porridge topped with shredded chicken, crispy shallots, soy sauce and crackers (kerupuk). Vendors often add scallions, fried garlic and drizzles of yellow turmeric broth for extra warmth and colour. It's Indonesia's answer to savoury comfort food with texture to spare. Other Indonesian breakfasts: Lontong sayur (rice cakes in coconut curry) Nasi uduk (aromatic coconut rice with side dishes) Gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce, sometimes eaten for breakfast) 9. Champorado with tuyo (Philippines) This Filipino breakfast is a study in contrasts. Sweet chocolate rice porridge (champorado), made with sticky rice and native cacao, is served with salty dried fish (tuyo) on the side. The result? A perfectly calibrated play between sweet, salty, creamy and umami that has fuelled generations of early risers. It sounds strange to outsiders, but it all comes together with a spoonful. Or a bowl. Other Filipino breakfasts: Silog meals (garlic fried rice + fried egg + protein like tapa, longganisa or tocino) Pandesal (soft bread rolls) with butter, cheese or sardines Arroz caldo (chicken rice porridge with ginger and scallions) See more: 11 Filipino breakfast foods you need to try 10. Khao niew (Laos) In Laos, breakfast is slow, tactile and rooted in tradition. The day often begins with khao niew (sticky rice), which is steamed in bamboo baskets and eaten by hand. Rolled into small balls, it's dipped into fiery jeow bong (chilli paste), paired with laap (herb-laden minced meat salad) or served with leftover grilled fish. Beyond the table, sticky rice plays a spiritual role in daily life. In cities like Luang Prabang, locals offer handfuls of khao niew to monks during the Tak Bat almsgiving ritual, a centuries-old Buddhist practice. Other Lao breakfasts: Khao piak sen (thick rice noodle soup) Baguette sandwiches (a French colonial legacy) Khao tom (simple rice porridge, though less common than sticky rice)

Chasing K-pop dreams: must-visit spots in Seoul for superfans
Chasing K-pop dreams: must-visit spots in Seoul for superfans

Tatler Asia

time01-07-2025

  • Tatler Asia

Chasing K-pop dreams: must-visit spots in Seoul for superfans

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